μακροθύμως

patiently

Definition

μακροθύμως is an adverb meaning 'with long-suffering,' 'patiently,' or 'with forbearance.' It describes the quality of enduring provocation, hardship, or delay without becoming angry or seeking retaliation. In its sole New Testament occurrence, it characterizes how Paul speaks to King Agrippa in Acts 26:3, appealing for a patient hearing. The word is closely tied to the divine attribute of God's patience (Romans 2:4; 1 Peter 3:20) and the virtue expected of believers (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12), though those passages use the related noun or adjective forms.

Biblical Usage

This adverb is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 26:3, where Paul addresses King Agrippa: 'I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today... especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently (μακροθύμως).' Here, it describes the manner of listening—attentively and without haste or irritation—that Paul requests from a knowledgeable ruler during his legal defense and gospel testimony.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective μακρόθυμος (makrothymos, G3115), which combines μακρός (makros, 'long, far') and θυμός (thymos, 'temper, passion'). Literally, it means 'long-tempered,' the opposite of short-tempered. This formation highlights the extension of one's spirit or anger threshold. The cognate noun μακροθυμία (makrothymia, G3115) is far more common in the New Testament, denoting the virtue of 'longsuffering' or 'patience.'

Semantic Range

Though used only once as an adverb, its conceptual family is theologically significant. 'Longsuffering' (μακροθυμία) is a key attribute of God, describing His patient restraint in judgment to allow space for repentance (Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9). It is also a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a Christian virtue essential for unity and witness (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 1:11). Understanding this word enriches reading by highlighting that biblical patience is not passive waiting but an active, God-empowered endurance rooted in divine character.

In Greco-Roman culture, patience or endurance (ὑπομονή, hypomonē) was often valued as a stoic virtue in facing hardship. The biblical concept of μακροθυμία, however, is relational and theological. It specifically involves patience with people, especially in the face of offense or injury, mirroring God's own patience with humanity. This contrasts with a purely philosophical endurance of circumstances.

ὑπομονή (hypomonē, G5281) — emphasizes steadfast endurance through trials; ἀνοχή (anochē, G463) — denotes a temporary forbearance or tolerance; μακροθυμία (makrothymia, G3115) — the noun form, 'longsuffering,' focusing on the quality itself.

Word Details

Scripture References